Karnataka reported three new deaths. The Cabinet sub-committee on Covid-19 will meet on Tuesday to decide on a further plan of action.
(Representational image/Creative Commons)
Karnataka on Monday, 25 December, reported 34 cases of the JN.1 variant of Covid-19, including 20 cases in Bengaluru city alone.
The Department of Health and Family Welfare released the data with a breakdown of the JN.1 cases and rolled out a few measures to keep the Covid-19 spread under check.
Speaking to reporters on the finding of the Covid-19 subvariant in the state, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao attributed a few recent deaths to comorbidities. Some of the deceased were found infected with JN.1.
He added that the new subvariant’s spread “is neither surprising nor a sudden development”, and asked people not to panic. The minister advised caution.
The Health and Family Welfare Commissioner D Randeep told South First earlier that the state had sent 176 samples as of 23 December to the National Centre for Biological Sciences for genome sequencing. Of the total samples sent, 34 returned positive for JN.1.
The breakdown of the JN.1 case numbers within the state is as follows: 20 cases in Bengaluru city, four in Mysuru, three in Mandya, and one each in Ramanagara, Bengaluru Rural, Kodagu, and Chamarajanagara.
Three deaths were also reported — one person each Bengaluru South Zone, West Zone, and the Ramanagara district.
The JN.1 cases were identified as part of an ongoing effort to monitor and analyse the Covid-19 situation in Karnataka.
The state has been actively conducting genome sequencing samples to detect any new variants of the virus as a proactive measure to curb potential outbreaks, a release from the Health Department stated.
“This was expected, as JN.1 is most prevalent and is spreading across the world now. The WHO, Central government, and the state government have been speaking about JN.1 infections…we had information about JN.1 infections, but for confirmation genome sequencing was done and through that, we have come to know about the cases,” Rao said.
Health officials told South First that Bengaluru was reporting more JN.1 cases due to extensive testing. However, the number of tests was expected to go up soon in other districts as well, which would detect more JN.1 cases.
The state government’s Cabinet sub-committee set up to monitor the Covid situation would meet on Tuesday, 26 December, to discuss the recommendations made by the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) on further measures to be taken in the state.
Suggesting that there is no need to worry about JN.1 cases, the health minister reiterated there are no restrictions or guidelines issued regarding any activities or celebrations like New Year.
“Anyhow, the Cabinet sub-committee will discuss tomorrow the recommendations made by the TAC and decide what further measures need to be taken,” said Dinesh Gundu Rao.
“As of now, there are no guidelines restricting any activities or celebrations or gatherings of people,” he added.
While the detection of the JN.1 variant has raised concerns, the officials reiterated that it is crucial to note that both the WHO and the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare classified it as a “Variant of Interest” (VoI) rather than a “Variant of Concern” (VoC).
The classification suggests that while the variant was being closely monitored, there was no immediate recommendation to impose restrictions or create unnecessary panic among the public.
Health authorities in Karnataka are closely monitoring the situation and will continue to evaluate the data.
If necessary, additional measures will be recommended in the coming days, with the overarching goal of safeguarding the health and safety of Karnataka’s residents.
Pointing out that most cases were under home isolation and very few were in hospitals, minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said details like age, travel history, and the place they belong to will be shared on Tuesday.
Reiterating that JN.1 infections were expected, he said, “No one should feel that it is a surprise or a sudden development…existing guidelines to control its spread are continuing as of now, in case any changes are made they will be made known. No need to worry, but remain cautious and take precautions.”
Officials from the Health Department told South First that the state has already issued circulars and set daily testing targets for all district and taluk hospitals. This is to ensure early detection and timely isolation of infected individuals.
“Testing numbers in Karnataka have gone up to 3,155 with the target being 5,000 per day,” Randeep said.
Meanwhile, hospitals and healthcare facilities across the state are being readied to handle potential surges in Covid-19 patients, ensuring that adequate resources and medical staff are available to provide care.
The general public has been strongly advised to adhere to Covid-Appropriate Behavior (CAB). This includes the proper wearing of masks, maintaining social distancing, practising regular hand hygiene, and following respiratory etiquette.
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